Windows Phone 8 will officially launch 10/29

The next iteration of Microsoft's mobile operating system has been granted an official release date.

October 29 is when the new platform will be available for sale, with Nokia's Lumia 920 as well as the 820 as the headline products.

Among the features that will be coming to WP8 and the newest Nokia Lumia phones are an augmented reality function called City Lens, the ability to wirelessly charge the devices, and full integration with Nokia's ambitious PureView high-end smartphone camera technology.

City Lens is perhaps one of the neatest features. It allows users to hold their phone up to a restaurant or other venue to receive instant information about that location.

Also part of the new Lumia products is a more advanced LCD display, which Nokia calls the fastest display ever on a phone. In addition, it allows users to use the touchscreen even with gloves or mittens on.

It also employs curved-glass technology, making it more durable to falls and scrapes.